Provisional release of seized imported goods granted on same terms as earlier court order

Seized imported goods were sought to be released on the same terms as an earlier coordinate Bench order after detention for want of DGFT authorisation or licence. The Telangana HC followed the earlier order, granted provisional release on identical conditions, and left the customs authorities free to continue adjudication in accordance with law. The decision reflects that where a later writ petition is covered by an existing court order, similar relief may be granted without affecting the underlying customs proceedings.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner was entitled to release of the seized imported goods on the same terms as granted in an earlier Division Bench order.

Analysis: The goods had been seized for want of DGFT authorization or licence. The petitioner sought release on the footing that the matter was covered by an earlier order of the Court. The respondents did not dispute that submission. The Court followed the earlier order and applied the same conditions for release, without disturbing the liberty of the customs authorities to continue adjudication in accordance with law.

Conclusion: The petitioner was held entitled to relief on the same terms as the earlier order, and the writ petition was allowed.

Ratio Decidendi: Where a later writ petition is covered by an earlier coordinate order, the Court may grant the same relief of provisional release on identical conditions while leaving the customs adjudication proceedings unaffected.

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